Building a better Cambroon Bridge

Better traffic flow and better protection from flooding.

That’s what commuters can look forward to when Sunshine Coast Council replaces the current "Cambroon Bridge" on Mary River Bridge Road, Cambroon.

Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said the current timber bridge had reached the end of its serviceable life.

"The current single lane timber bridge is in poor structural condition and is load limited to 2.5 tonnes," she said.

"The new bridge will be two lanes in width and it will also be built higher for improved flood immunity.

"In order to construct the new reinforced concrete bridge, council will need to close Mary River Bridge Road at the bridge site from 3 May approximately six months."

Cr McKay said commuters could detour via Eastern Mary River Road and Maleny – Kenilworth Road during this construction period.

"I acknowledge that some residents will be inconvenienced while works are in progress, however the finished product will be a very positive one for the local community," she said.

"Construction of this bridge has also been timed to avoid the summer flood season and the breeding and nesting season of the Mary River Turtle which is endemic to the Mary River and is listed as endangered under state and federal legislation.

"This turtle species is also recognised as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources."

Asset Management and Works Portfolio Councillor Ted Hungerford said the "Cambroon Bridge" project was part of council’s 10-year bridge replacement program that maintained a watch on around 400 bridges across the region, including 180 road bridges.

"Council will continue to commit between $3 million and $8 million per year to replace aging timber bridges and in some cases failing concrete bridge infrastructure," he said.

"The Cambroon bridge is one of 80 timber bridges that council will replace over the next few decades with concrete bridges that require very little maintenance and have a 100+ year design lifespan."

Further details on the "Cambroon Bridge" closure can be obtained by phoning council’s Customer Service Centre on 5475 7272.